Reykjavik Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Reykjavik
Harpa showing modern architecture and general coastal views
Reykjavik which includes a city, general coastal views and mountains
Harpa which includes modern architecture and interior views
Reykjavik which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a house

The most northerly capital city in the world combines amazing natural wonders with the exciting buzz of a thriving, creative metropolis.

Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík, is small, but has many great things to do. The city features a world-renowned music scene, eclectic architecture, Viking history, geothermal swimming pools and some of the friendliest and safest streets in Europe. Reykjavík also makes the perfect base for experiencing Iceland’s incredible natural beauty, which you can enjoy through leisurely daytrips or action-packed multi-day adventures. 

Reykjavík’s weather is highly changeable, so pack accordingly. When the sun shines, take a boat tour at Reykjavík Harbour to see puffins and whales. Then join the throngs of locals and enjoy the city’s downtown parks, Tjörnin Lake and markets. Climb the bell tower of Iceland’s largest church, Hallgrimskirkja, for panoramic views across Old Town’s colored rooftops to the spectacular mountains and glaciers beyond.

If you’re visiting between October and March, don’t miss Mother Nature’s greatest lightshow, the aurora borealis (northern lights). On dark, clear nights, wrap up and head to Grótta lighthouse, Miklatún or Hljómskálagarður parks, or Öskjuhlíð Hill for the city’s best vantage points. 

When the icy winds pick up, seek shelter in Reykjavík’s many museums. Visit the 871±2 Settlement Exhibition at Reykjavík City Museum to see the oldest archeological ruins in Iceland, then follow the country’s journey to nationhood at The National Museum of Iceland. Stop by the Saga Museum, unusually located in one of six water tanks at Perlan. Here, waxwork figures recall key moments in Iceland’s past.

For a small city, Reykjavík has made its presence known on the world’s cultural and creative stages. Explore the city’s galleries, bookshops and quirky boutiques before heading off to discover the next Sigur Rós or Björk in the city’s acclaimed bars and live music venues. 

After exploring Reykjavík’s streets, dance floors and countryside, join locals in one of the city’s seven natural geothermal springs, such as Arbaejarlaug and Laugardalslaug. 

It’s best to plan your visit based on the seasons and your preferred activities. By mid-June, Reykjavík experiences 21 hours of sunlight per day, giving you plenty of daylight to discover all the delights this stunning metropolis has to offer.

Where to stay in Reykjavik

Reykjavik featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects

Downtown Reykjavik

5/5(281 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Reykjavik, Hallgrimskirkja and National Gallery of Iceland are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Reykjavik
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Háaleiti

4/5(73 area reviews)

When in Háaleiti, you can plan a visit to Laugardalsholl and Kringlan Shopping Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Háaleiti
Reykjavik featuring fashion and shopping

Laugardalur

4/5(29 area reviews)

Laugardalur is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Laugardalsholl or Laugardalslaug Geothermal Pool.

Laugardalur
Reykjavik Harbour which includes a sunset, a bay or harbour and boating

Vesturbær

4.5/5(100 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and waterfront views are top of the list for many visitors to Vesturbær. A stop by Reykjavik Harbour or Landakotskirkja might round out your trip.

Vesturbær
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Hlíðar

4.5/5(164 area reviews)

Though Hlíðar may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Reykjavik Harbour and Perlan.

Hlíðar
Reykjavik featuring fashion and shopping

Tún

If you're spending some time in Tún, Laugavegur and Hofdi House are top sights worth seeing.

Tún
Fosshotel Reykjavik

Fosshotel Reykjavik

4 out of 5
Þórunnartún 1 - Höfðatorg, Reykjavik
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹27,774 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹27,774
₹31,396 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"This hotel is in a great location and the staff was fantastic. However, there is no AC so you have to sleep with the windows open. In the summer, with almost 24 hours of daylight, this can be a challenge. Also, you hear people yelling and talking outside ALL night long. This also goes for vehicles ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Fosshotel Reykjavik
CityHub Reykjavik

CityHub Reykjavik

3 out of 5
46 Hverfisgata, Reykjavik, Reykjavíkurborg
The price is ₹7,870 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹7,870
₹9,457 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and Hallgrimskirkja ...
9/10 Wonderful! (186 reviews)
"The staff was so kind! I was falling asleep at a table, and I believe they made sure I was into my room quickly. They were so helpful and friendly! The hotel is in a great location. I loved all of the little fun features of the room. I was amazed that I couldn’t hear anyone!"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

CityHub Reykjavik
Alda Hotel Reykjavik

Alda Hotel Reykjavik

4 out of 5
Laugavegur 66-68, Reykjavik
The price is ₹27,113 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹27,113
₹30,662 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Great location!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Alda Hotel Reykjavik
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Reykjavik Residence Hotel

Reykjavik Residence Hotel

4 out of 5
Vatnsstígur 2, Reykjavik, Capital Region
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (2,961 reviews)
"Stayed in “reception” house. Room decor was lovely and staff is excellent. Beds were uncomfortable. Problem was location of our suite - bedroom/bedroom windows opened to an actual outdoor hallway to other rooms. Super noisy and couldn’t open windows as a result. Room was loud and stuffy. Blam, blam ..."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

Reykjavik Residence Hotel
Stay Apartments Bolholt

Stay Apartments Bolholt

3 out of 5
Bolholt 6, Reykjavik
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,128 reviews)
"We really liked this place. It is centrally located close to lots of thing"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Stay Apartments Bolholt
Day Dream Vesturgata 17

Day Dream Vesturgata 17

2 out of 5
17 Vesturgata, Reykjavik
Stay at this aparthotel in Reykjavik. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Reykjavik Harbour and Harpa are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (73 reviews)
"Great location, really great communication on getting in the property and in our room. I would stay here again and recommend to anyone visiting Iceland."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Day Dream Vesturgata 17
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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